Washington D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has publicly suggested that prominent media figures, Lachlan Murdoch and his father Rupert Murdoch, might potentially be involved in the impending US takeover of the popular video-sharing application TikTok. This revelation came during a Friday interview on Fox News’s The Sunday Briefing, as the White House finalized arrangements for American investors to gain controlling interest in the platform.
Deal Details and Key Players
Table of Contents
- 1. Deal Details and Key Players
- 2. Compliance and Ownership Structure
- 3. The future of TikTok in the US
- 4. Understanding the TikTok Controversy
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the TikTok Deal
- 6. What are the potential implications of News Corp controlling TikTok’s algorithm and content?
- 7. Trump Envisions Role for Murdoch’s empire in Revised TikTok Deal Negotiations
- 8. The Shifting Landscape of TikTok Ownership
- 9. From Oracle to News Corp: A Deal Evolution
- 10. Murdoch’s Potential Involvement: A Deep Dive
- 11. The Geopolitical Context: US-China Tech War
- 12. Previous TikTok Deal Attempts: Lessons Learned
- 13. The Future of TikTok: What to Expect
The White House announced on Saturday that the US operations of TikTok would be predominantly owned and managed by a consortium of American investors. These include technology giant Oracle, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and private equity firm Silver Lake Management. The agreement, reached following a phone conversation between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, is anticipated to be formally signed in the coming days.
while naming several key figures, former President Trump specifically highlighted the potential role of the Murdochs. “I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved. Lachlan is, that’s a very unusual name, lachlan Murdoch,” trump stated. “And Rupert is probably going to be in the group. I think they’re going to be in the group.” he also mentioned Larry Ellison, Chairman of Oracle, and Michael Dell, Chairman of Dell Inc.
Compliance and Ownership Structure
The TikTok deal is a direct response to a bipartisan law enacted in January 2025,mandating bytedance Ltd., TikTok’s parent company, to divest it’s US assets. Under the terms of the agreement, ByteDance will retain a minority stake, holding less than 20% of the platform. American investors will control six out of seven seats on TikTok’s board of directors. Oracle will serve as the application’s security provider, overseeing data safety and compliance in collaboration with the US government.
Notably, the Murdochs, who lead News Corp., and Michael Dell were absent from the initial White House proclamation. however, sources close to the matter indicate that Fox Corp., rather than the individuals themselves, will participate in the TikTok deal.
Did You Know? The US government’s concerns surrounding TikTok stem from data privacy and national security risks associated with the app’s Chinese ownership.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about data privacy. Regularly review the privacy settings on all your social media accounts and be mindful of the information you share.
| Investor | Role | Ownership Stake (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Oracle | Security Provider & Technology Partner | 20-30% |
| Andreessen Horowitz | Financial Investor | 10-20% |
| Silver Lake Management | financial Investor | 10-20% |
| Fox Corp. | Strategic Investor (potential) | Undetermined |
| ByteDance | Original Owner | < 20% |
The future of TikTok in the US
This deal represents a significant shift in the landscape of social media and data security.It allows TikTok to continue operating in the US while addressing national security concerns. The involvement of prominent American investors and the implementation of robust security measures are intended to allay fears surrounding data privacy and potential Chinese government influence.
The agreement is expected to face scrutiny from lawmakers and privacy advocates, who will be closely monitoring its implementation. How will this deal impact the future of data security and the evolving relationship between the US and China in the tech sector?
Understanding the TikTok Controversy
The debate surrounding TikTok’s ownership and data practices has been ongoing for several years. Concerns center around the potential for the Chinese government to access user data, censor content, or influence public opinion. The app has consistently denied these allegations, but the US government has maintained a cautious stance.According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 68% of Americans express concern about the security of their data on social media platforms. This deal attempts to mitigate these concerns and establish a more secure framework for TikTok’s operations in the United States. The ongoing debate highlights the increasing importance of data privacy and national security in the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TikTok Deal
- What is the primary concern driving the TikTok deal?
- The main concern is data security and the potential for the Chinese government to access user data through TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
- What role will Oracle play in the new TikTok structure?
- Oracle will act as TikTok’s security provider, responsible for monitoring the app and ensuring data security in collaboration with the US government.
- Will ByteDance completely divest from TikTok?
- No, ByteDance will retain a minority stake of less than 20% in TikTok.
- Why were the Murdochs specifically mentioned by former President Trump?
- Former President Trump indicated that Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch may be involved in the deal as investors through Fox Corp.
- What will happen to existing TikTok users?
- The deal is designed to allow TikTok to continue operating in the US with minimal disruption to existing users.
What do you think about the role of private investors in national security matters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What are the potential implications of News Corp controlling TikTok’s algorithm and content?
Trump Envisions Role for Murdoch’s empire in Revised TikTok Deal Negotiations
The Shifting Landscape of TikTok Ownership
The saga surrounding TikTok’s ownership and future in the United States continues to evolve, and recent reports suggest former President Donald Trump is actively considering a meaningful role for Rupert Murdoch’s media empire – News Corp – in any revised deal. This development marks a considerable shift from previous attempts to resolve national security concerns surrounding the popular video-sharing app, currently owned by Chinese company ByteDance. The core issue remains: data security and potential Chinese government influence.
From Oracle to News Corp: A Deal Evolution
Initially, the Trump management attempted to force ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. company. Oracle emerged as a frontrunner, proposing a deal that would have seen it become a “trusted technology provider.” However, that deal ultimately stalled amidst legal challenges and changing political dynamics.
Now, Trump appears to be favoring a different approach. Sources indicate he believes News Corp, with its established media presence and perceived alignment with his political views, could be a more suitable partner. this isn’t a simple acquisition; the envisioned structure reportedly involves News Corp taking a controlling stake in tiktok, potentially alongside other American investors.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits,as perceived by those close to the former President:
* Reduced National Security Concerns: A U.S.-controlled TikTok, even with partial Chinese ownership, is seen as less vulnerable to data access by the Chinese government.
* Synergies with Existing Media Assets: news Corp could integrate TikTok’s reach with its existing portfolio of news, entertainment, and digital properties (including The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and The New York Post).
* Content Control & narrative Shaping: A key, tho often unstated, benefit is the potential for influencing the content and algorithms on TikTok, aligning it more closely with conservative viewpoints.
* Political Leverage: The deal could be presented as a win for american interests and a demonstration of Trump’s negotiating prowess.
Murdoch’s Potential Involvement: A Deep Dive
Rupert murdoch’s News Corp has a long and complex history in media, and its potential involvement in TikTok raises several questions.
* Antitrust Concerns: The acquisition could face scrutiny from antitrust regulators, given News Corp’s already substantial market share in the media landscape. The Department of Justice would likely investigate potential monopolistic practices.
* Editorial Independence: Concerns exist about the potential for News Corp to exert undue influence over TikTok’s content, potentially suppressing dissenting voices or promoting biased information.
* Data Privacy: Even under U.S. ownership, ensuring the privacy and security of TikTok’s vast user data remains a paramount concern. Compliance with data privacy regulations like CCPA and GDPR will be crucial.
* Technological Integration: Integrating TikTok’s technology with News Corp’s existing infrastructure presents significant technical challenges.
The Geopolitical Context: US-China Tech War
This potential deal isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s a direct consequence of the escalating tech war between the United States and China. The U.S. government views TikTok as a potential national security threat due to its data collection practices and the possibility of the Chinese government accessing user information.
* Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS): Any deal involving TikTok will require approval from CFIUS, a government body responsible for reviewing foreign investments for national security risks.
* Export Controls: The Biden administration has continued to pursue restrictions on TikTok, building on the groundwork laid by the Trump administration.
* Broader tech Restrictions: The TikTok situation is part of a broader trend of the U.S. government tightening restrictions on Chinese tech companies, including Huawei and ZTE.
Previous TikTok Deal Attempts: Lessons Learned
The failed Oracle deal offers valuable lessons for any future negotiations.
- Openness is Key: The initial Oracle deal lacked transparency,leading to confusion and legal challenges.
- Clear Data Security Protocols: Any agreement must include robust and verifiable data security protocols to protect user information.
- Independent Oversight: An independent third party should be responsible for monitoring TikTok’s compliance with data security and privacy regulations.
- Addressing Algorithm Concerns: The algorithm that determines what content users see is a critical area of concern.Any deal must address the potential for manipulation or bias.
The Future of TikTok: What to Expect
The path forward for TikTok remains uncertain. While Trump’s vision of a News Corp-led TikTok is gaining traction, significant hurdles remain. Regulatory approval, antitrust concerns, and the complexities of integrating TikTok’s technology are all major challenges.
The situation is fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming months. Key stakeholders – including ByteDance,News corp,the U.S.government, and TikTok’s millions of users
